Leonard J. Savage

On July 25, 2010, Leonard J. Savage, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. L.J. was born on July 2, 1931 in Reno, Nevada to Leonard Charles Savage and Gertrude Batley Savage. He was a fourth-generation Nevadan whose family legacy began in the 1860's at the Savage Mine in Virginia City and continued into Savage & Son Plumbing & Heating. Savage & Son, Inc. is now one of the most established businesses in the State of Nevada and currently holds contractor's license #10—the oldest active license in the state. L.J. served on the Nevada State Contractor's Board from 1965-1969.
L.J. graduated from Reno High School in 1948 and the University of Nevada in 1953 while being a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. In 1954 he served as a First Lieutenant in the Korean War. Upon returning to Reno in 1956 he began his career at Savage & Son, which he ran successfully for half a century. L.J. was a man who never liked to take credit for the successful parts of his life. He always attributed the success of Savage & Son to the loyal and dedicated employees that have worked so hard for the company throughout the years. He was an honest businessman who believed in treating customers, employees, and competitors with fairness and integrity.
L.J. had many friends, was very involved in his community, and had a great love for the outdoors. He was part of a daily coffee group who met for over 50 years beginning at the Little Waldorf on Virginia Street and later moving to the group's current location at the Gold and Silver restaurant. He touched many lives through his commitment to youth sports and was instrumental in advancing the development of youth baseball in the Reno area. He was on the committee that built the Little League Complex at Swope Middle School, and was a long-time supporting member of Reno National Little League and Pop Warner Football. He passionately followed UCLA Baseball, the Reno High Baseball program, and the Reno Knights American Legion team. L.J. also loved to hunt and fish. For many years he was an active member of the Canvasback Gun Club, Ducks Unlimited, and Nevada Waterfowl. L. J. loved his family, and he and his wife Eileen enjoyed many wonderful weekends with their children and grandchildren at their home in Graeagle, California.
L.J. was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Alyce Savage Taylor and Dorothy Paterson. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eileen; his sons, Len, Pete (Debbie), and John (Lisa); grandchildren Pete, Michael, Katie, L.J., Chad, Julia, Jack, Ryan, and Gabrielle Savage. He also leaves behind his cousin, Frank Savage, and his nieces Debi Kaplan, Darla Boge, and Juleen Marcuerquiaga.
The family would like to thank all the people who cared for L.J. these past months, especially Dr. James Atcheson and medical assistant Irina, Dr. Bruce Wallace and nurse Enid, Renown Rehabilitation, Right at Home and special care givers Beverly and Heather, St. Mary's Hospice, and VA physicians Dr. Thurman & Dr. Pavlatos.
A Memorial Mass will be held on August 4, 2010 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. Private internment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice, 235 West 6th Street, Reno, NV 89503 or Reno High School Athletics, Reno High School, 395 Booth Street, Reno, NV 89509 in memory of L.J. Savage.
Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home in Reno.